Newly crowned Formula E World Champion Oliver Rowland selects charity Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind for €19,200 prize donation.
Newly crowned Formula E World Champion Oliver Rowland has selected British mental health charity, Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind, as the recipient of a €19,200 donation from title partner, ABB. Presented to the driver who makes up the most cumulative grid places in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship each season, Rowland claimed the ABB Engineered to Outrun award - previously known as the ABB Driver of Progress award – by crossing the line a total of 64 positions higher than he started throughout Season 10.
Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind (S&G Mind) was established to provide advice and support to anyone in the local community experiencing a mental health problem, with a dedicated service for young people aged 16-25. The charity campaigns to improve and expand services, raise awareness and promote understanding to ensure vulnerable people are recognized, valued and supported.
Oliver Rowland, Nissan Formula E Team driver, said: “I was pleased to win this award from ABB last season – and also happy that I didn’t need as many overtakes this season on my way to winning the championship! I couldn’t have achieved what I did without the support of my team, friends and family – having the right support is crucial to achieve your full potential.
“Mental health is a subject which receives a lot more recognition these days, but there is still a lot of work to be done. S&G Mind are at the forefront of that work in the UK, supporting individuals and communities who need it the most. It’s fantastic to have this opportunity to recognise the incredible work that they do, so I also thank ABB for this initiative and for sending this donation on my behalf to this amazing organisation.”
Jodie Smith, Director at S&G Mind said: “We are incredibly grateful for ABB’s generous donation made on behalf of Oliver to support better mental health for our communities. This contribution will make a real difference in two key areas of our work where demand is rapidly increasing: our Autism Service and Counselling Service. Our Autism Service provides vital support to individuals awaiting assessment or for people who have a confirmed autism diagnosis. Through personalised one-to-one sessions and group sessions, we help people navigate their journey with autism in a safe, supportive environment.
“The funding will also allow us to expand our Counselling Service by increasing the number of volunteer counsellors we can recruit and train. This will enable us to reduce waiting times and extend access to both general counselling and specialised support for individuals affected by self-harm or self-injury.
“With one in four people in England experiencing a mental health issue each year, this donation will directly support our efforts to meet growing local need. Additionally, part of the donation will be allocated to our Community Mind Time Fund, which delivers community-based activities designed to reduce social isolation and improve mental wellbeing. Importantly, those who use this service will have a voice in deciding how the funds are spent, ensuring the support remains responsive and person-centred.”
ABB is committed to taking care of its people and promoting social progress with its partners, suppliers and communities. ABB is proud to make this donation on behalf of Oliver, supporting a charity that carries out incredible work to ensure that people experiencing mental health issues receive the support they deserve.
Further information on Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind services can be found on their website; www.sgmind.org.uk
About Formula E and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship:
As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.
The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities are united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and planet. www.FIAFormulaE.com
